Report I2015-1 Recommendation 18 Responses

Report I2015-1: Investigations of Improper Activities by State Agencies and Employees (Release Date: August 2015)

Case Number I2014-1011

Recommendation #18 To: Correctional Health Care Services, California

Corrections and Correctional Health Care should run a query of exempt positions related to the chief psychologist classification, such as clinical psychologists and senior psychologists, to determine whether any other exempt employees were improperly credited or paid for on-call or call-back assignments prior to December 2014, and seek recovery through reducing those employees' accumulated leave balances.

Agency Response From December 2016

Correctional Health Care reported that by October 31, 2016, it sent 228 letters notifying employees of net overpayments totaling $398,162. In addition, Correctional Health Care identified a net 2,718 hours of compensating time off that was erroneously earned by employees. During November 2016, Correctional Health Care submitted the results of its reviews and supporting documentation to each affected employee's personnel office within Corrections to initiate the collection process.

California State Auditor's Assessment of Status:
Fully Implemented

Agency Response From November 2016

Correctional Health Care reported in February 2016 that it had identified 1,198 exempt employees for inclusion in its review of the pay periods from January 2013 through June 2015. The review determined if clinical providers were compensated appropriately for on-call, standby, or call-back hours earned. In November 2015 Correctional Health Care stated that it had concluded its review of the 1,198 exempt employees. The review uncovered overpayments that would result in 32 accounts receivable as well as overreporting and underreporting of compensated time off affecting 106 employees. Correctional Health Care reported that it is issuing formal notifications to the affected employees prior to Corrections making adjustments to leave balances and establishing accounts receivable. In addition, Correctional Health Care stated that there are no pending negotiations with unions, but stated that its labor relations unit has advised the largest relevant union of the steps it will take regarding the overpayments and underpayments.

Agency Response From January 2016

Correctional Health Care reported that as of December 31, 2015, the Compliance and Oversight Unit (unit) in Human Resources completed its initial review of all 35 institutions involving approximately 3,600 employees from all affected bargaining units. In addition, Correctional Health Care stated that the unit now would focus on the approximately 750 employees who annually claimed on-call, standby, or call-back pay.

Agency Response From August 2015

Correctional Health Care ran a query of classifications to audit and is conducting a statewide review of all impacted classifications. It plans to report this information quarterly. Upon completion of the audit by Correctional Health Care, Corrections will establish accounts receivables as appropriate. Corrections anticipates completion by June 30, 2017.